Are the 'Fat Letters'' Days Numbered?

Legislation filed by State Rep. Jim Lyons would keep schools from monitoring and reporting students' body mass index is still in committee, but there's a new sign that the controversial BMI notifications may be on their way out.

According to the State House News Service, Gov. Patrick's administration has proposed a new rule that would lift requirements of schools to notify parents of their children's BMI.

The administration said that while the BMI program -- established by the Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services in 2009 -- has "provided valuable information," it may also be responsible for bullying and poor body image.

Earlier this year, North Andover Selectman Tracy Watson raised concerns about the notifications -- since dubbed the "fat letters" -- after her son Cameron received a letter saying he was obese. Cameron is an athlete who plays football, wrestles and excels in martial arts.

Watson discussed the issue with Lyons, who then filed legislation to stop the the notifications, which have caused outrage among parents who say the program violates privacy, causes bullying and is ineffective since pediatricians already discuss weight issues with parents.

The topic gained national attention, culminating with a mention on Saturday Night Live.

The new rules proposed by the Patrick administration would lift the requirements that school monitor and notify parents about BMI, and it would leave that policy decision to local school boards. However, BMI statistics would still be reported to the state for kids in grades 1, 4, 7 and 10.